Planning of buffers within mixed-model lines

This paper deals with the planning of buffers within a mixed-model line, which is typical of vehicle industries. The positioning of the buffers will be of special interest and will be discussed by an exact method and three heuristics. In addition the determining of buffer sizes will briefly be addressed. All aspects are considered concerning their influence on scheduling criteria. The paper will demonstrate that the placing of buffers leads to an improvement in job sequencing problems. In particular a balanced capacity usage will be achieved.